The Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets team understand how many considerations there are when it comes to updating or replacing your kitchen. Our information guides are designed to offer quick and easy insight into all things related to solid wood, kitchens and cabinetry, plus other information that may interest and inspire you!

So, if you're thinking about making a purchase, or are just interested in learning a little more about the wonderful world of solid timber kitchens, please feel free to explore our extensive library.

If you would like to view all the information guides in a particular category, please use the following links:

A compendium of articles to help you choose accessories and appliances to suit your solid wood kitchen. Includes popular guides such as 'Buying Small Appliances for Oak Kitchens' and 'Buying Cooker Hobs for Solid Oak Kitchens'.

In the ‘Cabinetry’ category you will find guidance on anything and everything to do with kitchen cabinets; these articles will contain product knowledge, history, information on specific timbers and cabinet construction. This section will be updated regularly so do keep an eye out for new guides.

These questions were sent in directly by our customers, and have been answered with assistance from our in-house kitchen experts. We will be posting a new question every week, so do check back for the answers to further popular queries.

Handy hints about our services, product ranges, and much more. Our 'General' guides cover a wide range of topics, from a 'Pre-Drilling Service' article to a helpful run-down of the online ordering process entitled 'How to Order Solid Wood Kitchens'.

A selection of guides that will prove both inspirational and informative when planning your kitchen. Features useful articles such as 'How to Create a Shaker Kitchen' and 'How to Create a Farmhouse Kitchen with Solid Oak Kitchen Cabinets'.

For a full list of the Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets information guides, please click here.

If you are looking for something in particular, please use the following search:

Recent Information Guides from Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets

“Where can I buy solid oak offcuts to complete my kitchen?”

This week, Harley from Chalford emailed us to find out where he could purchase oak offcuts to create finishing touches perfect for solid wood kitchens.

QUESTION:

“I’ve just purchased my oak kitchen from your company and I’m really pleased with it! I would like to create a few trimmings and details with some smaller pieces of oak, but I want to be sure they are the same colour. Do you sell oak offcuts that might possibly be of use?”

ANSWER:

Hi Harley,

Thank you for getting in touch – and thanks, too, for making the excellent decision to purchase one of our solid wood kitchens!

We are pleased you have contacted us, particularly as we have some good news: we have precisely the item you need to finish your kitchen as desired! Our lacquered cabinet panel is made from 3m of solid oak – the same high quality material used to produce our splendid solid oak cabinets. This lacquered piece of wood measures 3m x 600mm x 18mm – a perfect size for cutting down into smaller sections and thus creating a variety of customisations for your kitchen. Whether you would like to make your own shelving, cabinet trimmings or decorative accessories, our cabinet panel would make the ideal starting point; furthermore, it’s lightly coated with the same lacquer used on all our oak cabinetry, and as such will match your existing kitchen beautifully. If you will be cutting the panel, we advise using a low-lustre lacquer spray to finish the cut edges, which will provide a consistent appearance whilst protecting the material.

Once you have made these finishing touches, we would love you to share some pictures with us on Facebook or Twitter. Please feel free to contact us again if you have any further queries – simply telephone us on 0345 22 22 990 or email sales@solidwoodkitchencabinets.co.uk and we will be happy to help.

Kind regards,

The Team @ Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Do you have a question that you would like us to answer? Ask us now on , or send us a message.

Here at Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets we offer a range of cabinet door finishes. From sanded to lacquered to painted, and in a variety of house ‘styles’ – such as Shaker and Traditional – these frontals are a fantastic finishing touch for oak kitchens.

Frontal finishes from our signature range

Our beautiful ‘Signature’ range forms the core of our collection, and features our six most popular finishes. First, you may wish to opt for a sanded option, which enables you to add a finish or treatment of your choosing. Next, we offer a hard-wearing lacquer finish for frontals; this is the same finish used for our solid oak cabinet units, allowing the two to blend together seamlessly. Finally, our ‘Signature’ range comprises four paint colours from our manufacturers of choice, Farrow & Ball, and includes: New White, All White, Mizzle and Parma Gray.

Bespoke cabinet door colours

If you would prefer to choose a paint colour from outside our ‘Signature’ range, we have a number of bespoke options available. Our extensive selection of ‘Bespoke’ finishes encompasses Farrow & Ball’s entire collection of beautiful, high-quality paints.

If you prefer gentle pastels, shades such as Farrow’s Cream, Pale Powder and Light Blue are wonderfully delicate, and – thanks to their unimposing nature – are ideal for painting entire kitchens with.

For a slightly stronger statement, you may prefer to opt for accent colours like Pigeon, Elephant’s Breath or Vert De Terre. These paints look excellent when standing alone, but are also easily paired with other complementary colours.

If you like to be bold, Farrow & Ball offer a striking collection of bright colours for added dramatic impact, such as Charlotte’s Locks, St Giles Blue and Brinjal.

Whilst our ‘Signature’ range of painted doors are kept in stock at all times, please note that cabinet frontals with bespoke colours choices incur a small surcharge and a slightly-extended lead time.

Select whether you would like a frontal finish from our ‘Signature’ or ‘Bespoke’ range.

Click on any colour swatch to see it applied to your cabinet frontal.

Once you have picked the finish you would like, click ‘Buy’ beside the swatch of your choosing.

If you opt to order a ‘Bespoke’ option from Farrow & Ball’s impressive range, you will need to specify the paint colour name in the ’Order Notes’ section at checkout.

You will now be asked to pick from a selection of drawer styles, should you require them for any of the units you would like to order. If you do not wish to select them yet, simply click the grey ‘I will select later’ button at the bottom of the page.

You are now presented with a collection of units (either base or wall, depending on which you opted for at the beginning) with the finish you have selected; explore the page and add the ones you would like to your cart.

To select a finish when ordering cabinet doors only:

On the homepage, hover over the ‘Solid Oak Kitchen Doors’ tab.

Click the blue ‘Buy Cabinet Doors Only’ button.

Choose between ‘Traditional’ and ‘Shaker’ door styles.

Choose your preferred finish from our range.

If you select the ‘Bespoke’ option, simply specify the paint colour name in the ’Order Notes’ section at checkout.

Select the type of door and dimensions you require, then type the quantities needed beside the item and click ‘Purchase Items’ at the bottom of the page.

If ordering over the telephone, simply specify your finish of choice when you speak with a member of our sales team.

Ordering samples

With our helpful cabinet frontal sample service you can discover the high quality of our solid oak and the meticulous finish of our cabinet doors, all from the comfort of your own home. These miniature replica frontals measure 355mm (H) x 296mm (W) and are available in Traditional or Shaker styles, and in any finish.

About Farrow & Ball paints

Both our ‘Signature’ range and our bespoke collection consist of only the finest-quality, environmentally-friendly paints. These paints are water-based and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds), making them the perfect choice for a home environment.

All painted frontals are meticulously finished in such a manner as to coat the wood’s grain without disguising it, displaying the beautiful characteristics that contribute to the sought-after appearance of solid oak.

If you would like to place an order for solid oak cabinets, frontals or samples, please do not hesitate to contact us by telephoning 0345 22 22 990 or emailing sales@solidwoodkitchencabinets.co.uk.

“Are your solid oak kitchen cabinets pre-assembled?”

This week we received an email from Roddy in Mansfield, who wanted to know whether our solid oak kitchen cabinets are available pre-assembled.

QUESTION:

“I’ve been looking at your website and would like to buy some of your solid wood cabinet units. I would prefer not to have to spend time building the units myself and wondered if you offered a pre-assembly service?”

ANSWER:

Hi Roddy,

Many thanks for your email. We are really pleased that you have contacted us – especially as we have some excellent news for you!

Until recently, we offered a pre-assembly service at a cost of £15 per cabinet carcass, or £20 for complete oak cabinets including doors or drawers. We found this service to be a popular choice, as it would save our customers the time and effort of constructing the units – leaving them more time to sit back and enjoy their splendid new kitchens.

If that’s not enough good news, we’d also like to let you know that we have a beautiful showroom very close to you (in Chesterfield). So, if you fancy taking a closer look at our wonderful solid oak cabinets, why not take a trip there and examine the eight fantastic kitchen display sets that are on offer? We understand you have been browsing online, however – should you like to see the units in person – we would be happy to arrange an appointment with our knowledgeable showroom team.

Should you wish to place an order or if you have any further queries, please feel free to get in touch again – we’re always happy to help!

Kind regards,

The Team @ Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Do you have a question that you would like us to answer? Ask us now on , or send us a message.

The kitchen work triangle concept has been applied for decades to help homeowners plan an efficient kitchen layout that minimises traffic and maximises productivity. Dating back to as early as the 1940s, the work triangle incorporates a number of principles that are perfect for creating a strategic layout for solid oak kitchens and appliances.

The kitchen work triangle is a relatively simple principle to apply, and is often praised by interior designers as the best starting point when remodelling your kitchen. However, every home is unique, and all properties certainly have their quirks, so don’t worry about bending the rules slightly if necessary.

WHAT IS THE KITCHEN WORK TRIANGLE?

The kitchen work triangle aims to connect the three most important areas of the kitchen – namely the refrigerator, the sink and the cooker – in a logical layout that utilises the space most effectively.

WHAT ARE THE RULES OF THE KITCHEN WORK TRIANGLE?

First, the distance between each of these areas should be at least 1.2 m (4 feet), and no more than 2.7m (9 feet).

If you add together the distances between each of the three areas, the total should be between 4m (13 feet) and 7.9m (26 feet). If the sum of these three distances is less than 13 feet, your kitchen is likely to feel cramped. If it exceeds 26 feet, you are likely to be wasting time and energy walking unnecessary distances.

Each side of the triangle should not be intersected by more than 30cm (12 inches), by solid wood cabinets, a kitchen island or any other item.

Finally, position your kitchen work triangle so that it will not impinge on a primary walkway.

THE KITCHEN WORK TRIANGLE IN PRACTICE

The kitchen work triangle has now been used by design experts and homeowners for more than seventy year: a fact that attests to the concept’s timeless practicality. If you would like to discuss your new kitchen design, please contact us by telephoning 0345 22 22 990; emailing sales@solidwoodkitchencabinets.co.uk; or by visiting one of our kitchen showrooms.

“How do I stop my wood worktops from warping?”

Our third ‘Question of the Week’ for March was emailed in by Diana in Croydon. Having recently discovered the beauty of solid oak kitchens, she has just purchased her new oak worktops from us. Aware that wood worktops can warp if not properly cared for, Diana emailed in to ask our advice on how to prevent this from occurring.

QUESTION:

“I’m really pleased with the oak worktops I bought from you – they look beautiful in my new kitchen! I love the look of natural wood, and I’m anxious to keep them in prime condition. My main concern is that they might warp, is that common? How can I stop them from warping?”

ANSWER:

Hi Diana,

Thanks for getting in touch, we are really pleased to hear you have purchased from us and love your new worktops! They really are an excellent companion for any kitchen, and will only grow more beautiful as the wood matures.

Wooden worktops are immensely robust and will certainly stand the test of time if cared for properly. The warping of wood work surfaces is therefore not a common problem; in fact, it tends to occur in cases where essential maintenance and installation instructions have not been followed.

Warping is caused by a fluctuation in temperature and moisture levels in the air. We source all our timber from suppliers with only the highest standards, and submit all wood to a kiln-drying process that ensures it is evenly dried (thus reducing the likelihood of warping).

If you are not installing your worktops immediately, it is important that they are stored correctly. Rather than simply propping them against a wall, your worktops should be laid flat in their original packaging and separated by battens, in a room with a consistent humidity. If you have not taken advantage of our pre-oiling service, we recommend oiling your worktops as soon as possible.

Of course, in the kitchen environment, the temperature is likely to fluctuate frequently, which causes the worktop to expand and contract. Therefore, the worktop should not be fitted directly to the wall, and a 5mm expansion gap should be allowed. When fitting your worktops to cabinets, slotted angle brackets should be fixed parallel to the direction of worktops grain pattern, allowing the timber to expand lengthways without resistance. When joining two worktops together, we recommend using butt joints rather than mitre joints.

If you are installing your worktop over an appliance such as a fridge, dishwasher, tumble dryer or microwave, we strongly recommend the addition of a moisture barrier, as these appliances can release moisture during use (which can damage the timber if absorbed). For more information on this subject, please read our guide to installing moisture barriers in oak kitchens.

Similarly, if a wooden worktop is to be installed adjacent to a source of heat – such as an oven or hob – it is important to ensure that your worktop is fitted with end caps (a service that is provided through our sister supplier Worktop Express). End caps run alongside the oven or hob, so that the end grain is not directly exposed to the heat, which also helps to prevent warping.

Finally – and we have saved one of the most important points until last – be sure to follow the recommended aftercare process. We always advise our customers to use Rustins Danish Oil, a special blend of oils and resins that protects the timber and provides a natural-looking, low-lustre finish. Worktops should be oiled as frequently as possible within the first six weeks after installation to build up sufficient protection, and then every 3 to 6 months afterwards to keep your worktops in the best condition.

We hope you find this information useful, Ross, and if you require any further guidance, please feel free to get in touch again!

Kind regards,

The Team @ Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets

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Many fans of our oak kitchens may be familiar with the ‘kitchen work triangle’ concept, which helps determine the most effective layouts for an efficient, well-planned kitchen. The work triangle targets the three primary areas a kitchen-user will utilise, namely the stove, sink and the refrigerator, and ensures they are sufficiently far apart to prevent crowding, but close enough to allow for easy transitioning between stages of the cooking process. This popular design concept was developed in the 1940s, and is still often referred to today. However, much has changed since the notion of the work triangle was originally conceived, and space planners now also use ‘zoning’ to configure layouts for the modern kitchen.

The intention of creating kitchen zones is to clearly divide up different spaces of your kitchen with the purpose for which they are intended in mind. In the 21st century, this concept is often seen as more practical, as modern day kitchens tend to exhibit a greater variety of sizes and arrangements. Furthermore, unlike the kitchen work triangle, the design concept is also relevant and useful for those with an existing kitchen who do not wish to relocate their refrigerator, sink or oven.

Kitchen zoning can be applied to any kitchen, whatever its size or shape:

Step 1: Divide your kitchen into five zones

Cooking zone – the area where your oven, range or stove is located, alongside a microwave (if you have one)

Food preparation zone – the area where your cut, chop and prepare fresh produce, be it a portion of worktop, a kitchen island, or a butchers block trolley.

Cleaning zone – the area that contains the sink and dishwasher (if you have one)

Consumables zone – the area where most food is stored, which may be divided between kitchen cabinets, for dry goods, and the refrigerator, for fresh food.

Non-consumables zone – the area used to store kitchenware such as crockery, dishes, cutlery, glasses and mugs.

Step 2: Store items within their relevant zones

To improve your kitchen’s functionality, items should be kept within their respective zones. This makes them easy to find, making the cooking process much more efficient.

Keep cooking tools close to the area they best relate to. For example, knives, chopping boards and utensils should be located near to the food preparation zone, where they are most likely to be needed. Similarly, baking trays and cooking utensils should be situated within reach of the cooking zone.

Step 3: Store dishes used on a daily basis in a cabinet close to the sink or dishwasher

The next step saves time and effort when stashing away items that have recently been washed up. Shortening the distance between the draining board and the cupboard designated for plates and bowls eliminates too much walking back and forth.

As in step 3, this strategic placement of your kitchen zones is a logical move, and makes transferring food from chopping board to pot as easy as possible. In a perfect world, the preparation zone and your cooker should not be more than a few paces apart, saving time and reducing the risks of dropped food. It is best to keep the preparation space clear of any unnecessary countertop items that could be located elsewhere.

For those with kitchen islands, you may wish to capitalise on this space as a larger food preparation area. In this case, we advise locating these two zones directly opposite from one another, so you simply need to turn to move your freshly prepared produce from the chopping board to the stove.

Step 5: Get creative with storage solutions

Efficient kitchen zoning can be very rewarding, and has a significant impact on many of your daily activities. If yours is a kitchen of modest proportions, you may benefit from integrating such handy storage solutions as space-saving wirework or accessible wicker baskets.

Other solutions for maximising your cabinet space include stackable shelves, hanging baskets on an under-cupboard pot rail, helping you ensure all your kitchen items remain within their designated zones.

Whether you are planning a new kitchen or simply perfecting your existing one, zoning is a practical way to ensure your culinary experience is as easy and efficient as possible. If you would like to get in touch to discuss your new oak kitchen, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0345 22 22 990, or email .

Our second ‘Question of the Week’ for May comes from Bernard in York. He was looking for some solid wood cabinets for his bathroom when he came across our website.

QUESTION:

“I’m in need of some storage space for my newly redecorated bathroom, and I think oak cabinets would be the perfect finishing touch. I’ve seen that you sell some beautiful, high-quality cabinets, and wondered if they would be fit for the job, or are they only suitable for solid oak kitchens?”

ANSWER:

Hello Bernard,

Thank you for getting in touch! We’re really pleased that you have taken an interest in our solid wood cabinets, and we are happy to tell you that they can indeed be used within bathrooms – or in fact any room in the home that might require a sturdy and spacious storage solution. We already have a number of customers who have purchased cabinetry for this purpose and have attested to the stunning results.

All our oak cabinets come with a lacquered finish, unless you specifically select a painted or sanded option. The high quality lacquer that we use can protect the wood from low to medium levels of moisture in the air, making it suitable for a bathroom environment. However, whilst it is water-resistant, it is not impermeable. The cabinets can therefore withstand small splashes, though they should not be positioned directly adjacent to baths or showers where increased moisture levels may cause damage such as warping, rotting or splitting. Should the cabinets get wet, it is important that they are wiped down with a dry cloth to remove any excess water.

Wooden bathroom cabinets provide ample storage space for all the lotions and potions that we use on a daily basis, keeping this room functional and clutter-free! Installing wood worktops with a free-standing sink is also a beautiful enhancement: the surface functions as both a practical countertop and impressive bathroom feature. Adding natural materials is the perfect way to bring warmth to bathrooms and absorb sound, providing the ideal contrast to tiling.

We hope you find this information useful, and if you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch again!

Kind regards,

The Team @ Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets

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In many bustling kitchens, storage space is at a premium, and we can often find that cupboards overflow and infrequently-used condiments are tricky to lay a hand on. To help our customers make the most of limited storage space and maintain a calm and well-organised kitchen, we supply a number of storage solutions that make the perfect finishing touches for solid wood kitchens.

Wirework

Our popular wire baskets can be integrated into wooden kitchens in a number of ways. For base units, we supply a set of two pull-out drawers, which make it far easier to access items that would otherwise be a struggle to find at the back of the cabinet. We also provide three-tier herb racks that can be easily attached to the inside of your cabinet, in order to maximise the storage space within.

For corner cabinets that many find difficult to reach into, we offer a number of solutions! If you’re looking for an addition to an L-shaped cupboard, our Corner Carousel includes two tiers that rotate, making the contents of your unit far more accessible. Alternatively, for a corner solution cabinet, our Magic Basket Pull-Out has a clever configuration of four baskets that helps maximise the potential of previously unused space. This option also comes with the opportunity for left- or right-handed opening, according to the design of your kitchen.

Another superb wirework solution for limited space is a soft close pull-out space saver, either as a 150mm height or full height option. These items are ideal for making the most of narrow spaces, packing maximum storage potential into minimal floor space. A broader alternative is the ¾ height larder, which can be fitted inside a full height cabinet whilst still leaving space for extra shelving to be installed above.

Wicker Storage Baskets

For a traditional kitchen, wicker storage baskets are a beautiful alternative to shelving, evoking the look of a classic countryside residence. Available for either 500mm or 600mm wide cabinets, our wicker baskets are made from naturally-grown European white willow and hand-woven into a sturdy and aesthetic storage solution. Easily installed within smooth oak surrounds, this basketry offers ample room for fresh produce (or anything else you might like to store) and is a splendid complement to solid oak cabinets.

Solid Wood Cutlery Tray Inserts

Keep cutlery drawers perfectly organised with a solid wood cutlery tray insert. These carefully crafted organiser trays have been meticulously engraved with cutlery symbols to denote each section, and are available in a variety of timbers, including oak, beech, American walnut and iroko. Our fabrication team are also able to produce cutlery trays from other timbers upon request.

Our wooden cutlery trays are supplied in a range of sizes to suit a variety of drawer widths, from 310mm (the ideal size for a 400mm drawer) up to 910mm (for a 1000mm drawer).

Each item is supplied fully sanded for you to finish to your preference, but we always recommend oiling with Rustins Danish Oil: this treatment creates a stunning finish whilst protecting the timber.

Oak Plate Racks

A convenient alternative to storing commonly used crockery in a cabinet, our solid oak plate racks keep items close to hand and make for a decorative kitchen feature, too. A fantastic complement to oak cabinetry, these racks come with dimensions of 1200 x 342mm – which hold up to 24 plates – and can be easily cut to fit any kitchen cabinets, without the need for specialist equipment. To ensure plates are held securely, we suggest fitting a plate rack at the front and back of the shelf.

These attractive plate racks can be provided in a finish to suit any kitchen, as they are available lacquered, painted (in any Farrow & Ball colour of your choice) or sanded (for you to add a finish of your choosing).

Savvy storage devices provide a perfect method by which to create a serene, clutter-free kitchen. If you require any more information on these products, please don’t hesitate to visit our website. Alternatively, please contact us by telephoning 0345 22 22 990 or emailing and we will be happy to help!

“Do you deliver your solid oak kitchen cabinets to the Isle of Wight?”

This week, Joe asked us whether we are able to deliver our solid oak kitchen cabinets to the Isle of Wight, and what potential impact this might have on our competitive lead times.

QUESTION:

“I was really impressed by the quality and finish of your kitchen cabinets when I saw them at your Gloucestershire showroom last month. I would like to place an order this week, however I live in the Isle of Wight and I’m unsure about whether you deliver to us here on the island! Please could you explain your delivery terms for this area to me?”

ANSWER:

Hi Joe,

Thank you for contacting us! We are really pleased you are thinking of placing an order with Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets and we’re more than happy to answer your question. Although we do the best we can, it is sometimes difficult to reach certain areas of the UK with our standard two-man delivery service, so to provide as comprehensive a delivery service as possible we occasionally opt for an external courier instead.

To reach the lovely people of the Isle of Wight, we send items with British parcel and express freight delivery company DX Freight or international freight company H & M. We are fortunately able to offer these services with competitive lead times, in keeping with the fast delivery service that our business prides itself on.

Due to the fact that this service is outsourced, delivery costs are usually slightly higher than those we are able to offer with our standard in-house service. Charges are quoted and sent to you for approval when you make your purchase, and are based upon the combined weight of the items in your order, whether you are buying oak kitchen cabinets, wooden worktops, or a whole solid wood kitchen.

We hope you find this information useful, and if you have any other
queries please do get in touch again – we are always happy to be of assistance!

Kind regards,

The Team @ Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Do you have a question that you would like us to answer? Ask us now on , or send us a message.